Council services chief no stranger

January 10, 2013

David Raatz Jr., the new director of Maui County's Office of Council Services, had worked as a legislative attorney for the same office for 16 years until March 2012.

Then, he accepted the position of program director for the Maui Economic Development Board.

Raatz then took over as head of Council Services early this month. He replaces Ken Fukuoka, who retired after serving with Council Services since 1980.

Article Photos

DAVID RAATZ Jr.Arrival from MEO

In 1993, Raatz graduated from Loyola Law School in the top half of his class and went to work for the Honolulu City Council. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in sports information from the University of Southern California. He worked as a sports journalist before attending law school.

"I am thrilled that Mr. Raatz will be leading the Office of Council Services," council Chairwoman Gladys Baisa said. "He has a wealth of knowledge about county operations and municipal law. He is more than qualified to assist the council in the conduct of its business and to manage the Office of Council Services."

The office provides research, clerical and logistical support to County Council committees and the council members.

The term of the director and the staff of the office coincides with the term of council members, which expires Jan. 2, 2015.